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Alwinton and the River Alwin Walk

A favourite route with walkers that used to be frequented by pedlars and whiskey smugglers.

Walking Route Details

Moderate

5 miles / 8km

3 hours

Coquetdale

No

No

One of many trackways in the border hills

Our Alwinton and the River Alwin route is a favourite route with walkers, starting in Alwinton, that used to be one of many trackways in the border hills frequented in times past by cattle drovers, shepherds, pedlars and whiskey smugglers.

Step by step route

As the main track winds round to the left near the top of the hill, take right at the junction to a wicket gate approximately 50m away.

Go through the wicket gate and bear left across the field towards another gate. Pass through the wicket gate and follow the well-worn path to the right as it winds along the hillside, continue on along this path, passing a sheepfold down to your right. At a junction of quad tracks head downhill to the forest corner.

On reaching the bottom of the hill go through the field gate onto the forest track and turn right. Continue along this track for 1.4miles, crossing the River Alwin three times, until you reach a crossroads. At the crossroads, follow the track round to the right passing through the field gate, keeping the dry stone wall to your left.

Cross over the cattle grid and turn right at fingerpost signed Alwinton. Cross the footbridge and turn left up the path. Go over a step stile, then continue straight ahead walking along the headland to stile at the opposite side of the field. Cross the stile and carry on along the edge of the field keeping the fence to your left. Go over a ladder stile and turn left onto the farm track. Head back downhill to the car park.

Walk route

Getting there

From Elsdon

Leave the B6341 at the small hamlet of Swindon, signed Alwinton to the left. Follow the road through Harbottle and continue to Alwinton, the last hamlet in Upper Coquetdale. Park in the National Park car park at Alwinton, which is through the village on your right.

From Rothbury

Leave the B6341 at the small hamlet of Flotterton, signed Alwinton to the right. Follow the road through Harbottle and continue to Alwinton, the last hamlet in Upper Coquetdale. Park in the National Park car park at Alwinton, which is through the village on your right.